It’s been almost four months since the Competition Commission put an end to motorists being forced to have their new cars serviced or repaired only at the manufacturer’s approved service dealerships.
This means that motorists can take their vehicles to independent workshops without losing their manufacturer warranty.
Motoring journalist from cars.co.za, Ciro de Siena says vehicle owners can now unbundle their service plan.
“What you can unbundle is the service plan and the big difference now is that you can take your vehicle to an independent workshop and you can have the vehicle serviced at low cost potentially without voiding your warranty,” says De Siena.
Findings
Last year, the Commission found that there are information knowledge gaps concerning the rights of consumers and the legal framework regarding warranties.
It says Independent Service Providers (ISP)in South Africa have been excluded from undertaking the service, maintenance, and mechanical repairs on motor vehicles that are in-warranty over the years.
The Commission ruled that from July 2021, original equipment manufacturers should recognise and not obstruct a consumer’s choice to seek service, maintenance, and mechanical repair work for their motor vehicles at a service provider of their choice, regardless of whether that service provider is an approved dealer or an ISP.
Below is the Commission’s report:
